Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

The important thing is that we succeed in bringing about change now by allowing people to build in rural Ireland. Will the Minister clarify the documentation published last weekend by his Department which stated: "However, the Minister is requesting planning authorities in each county and An Bord Pleanála to take the guidelines on board and put in place the measures necessary to implement them with immediate effect." Any applicant who has been disappointed by a refusal over the last few days should re-apply. Under the new guidelines, the Minister, understanding that there are difficulties in certain situations, has given power to the planners and the managers of local authorities throughout the country immediately to implement these new guidelines where they apply and improve the situation.